Fleurs Et Le Soleil

Cedric Gardner // Eighteen // Gardener // Black // House of York // A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love. There is a language, little known, Lovers claim it as their own. Its symbols smile upon the land, Wrought by nature's wondrous hand; And in their silent beauty speak, Of life and joy, to those who seek For Love Divine and sunny hours In the language of the flowers.

[gildedevents]

NOON MEAL / Servant's Table

[untamedtate]

How long has this pretty owl been drinking? wondered the minstrel as she accepted the flagon. She took a light sip from the flask and raised an eyebrow that was partial admonishment, partial amusement. “I think I need to drink a bit more before I can enjoy it as much as you are.” Drusilla smirked as she looked down at the flask before taking a drink from it then handing it back to Lynet. Glancing at Elle as she joined in, the older Sparrow smiled, saying, “Please, spare me from having the misfortune of carrying that fat bird to the even fatter ones sitting on their prestigious rumps.”

[lynet-hurd-deactivated20140618]

A small grin grew on her face as the three women stood together within the circle, and Lynet felt herself laugh as Drusilla spoke, especially after her use of the word rump. ‘'Worry not, my darling Drusilla. There's more than enough wine to go around!” Her hand snaked out, to take back the flask, before turning her attention to Elle. ”And you, don't complain about serving all of this, you didn't have to cook it. Do you know how long I've been awake watching those damned birds?” She held out the flask, giving the girl a crooked grin. ”But for now, let us toast at the arrival of more prestigious arses we have to serve.”

[elle-sparrow-blog]

She sat down the dirty platter on the growing pile of dishes that the scullery maid was washing. After promising the other maid that once she was sure the nobles would not demand more food to be delivered, she would help with the dishes, she went back to Lynet and Drusilla, a smile overtaking her face once more. “Fat birds?” She chuckled at the insult. “Usually, I would say we ought to be careful if we do not want them to hear us, but since I did hear some of them referring to the Lord de Vere as French Pig, I do not think they would mind much. Have you met him, Dru?” She addressed her sister just as she took Lynet’s offered flask and took a sip from it, slightly wincing at the taste. In response to her friend’s playful scolding, she scrunched her nose, “Only to watch it all vanish within seconds. Hopefully more food ended up in their stomachs than on each other’s clothes. If you need any help, though, or just company while you cook, I will glad to be of service, you know that.” She speared a ham with the fork she found nearby and took a bite. Humming appreciatively, she said, “Ugh, food made for God, this is, Lyn. So good.” She tried not to speak with her mouth full, but she did not quite succeed.

[cedric-the-gardner]

Cedric scurried into the kitchen quarters, he was covered in dirt and smelled like snow and lavender, he was sure of it. As he pulled his gloves off of his hands and shoved them into his pocket he grinned at the girls in amusement. Nearly all his favorite ladies were gathered, the only one missing was Emery, wherever she may be. Cedric sent up a silent prayer for her and hoped she would be free of her Lady soon so she could join them all here. "I see I'm missing the festivities." he said cheekily, moving around the room to greet everyone he could. He smiled at Dru, squeezed Lynet's shoulders and took a seat beside Elle, kissing her hand before addressing the food before him. "Hello my love." he said softly to Elle, pulling a piece of bread to him and dipping it into a bowl of stew. "Lynet, you're a goddess, this is heavenly." he said around a full mouth, his empty stomach accepting the food with glee. A weary sigh escaped him but he was beyond content at this moment. "How is everyone?"

[georginaharrisonphotography]

Flowers do speak a language, clear and intelligible. Observe them, reader, love them, linger over them and ask your own heart if they do not speak affection, benevolence and piety.

Language of Flowers: a Miscellany

 By Mandy Kirkby

(via georginaharrisonphotography)

[cedric-the-gardner]

Warm & Clean & Bright II Cedric + Eleanor + Helena

As the sun moved slowly across the sky the nobles were brought inside where they greeted one another and were taken to their rooms or for tours or whatever their little hearts desired. Cedric was not privilege to this interaction as he had been sent off running to find a particular squire. When he found the boy in question he sent him off to assist Lord Ulric, as this was the name he had learned belonged to the knight who had been most displeased with him. Now there was a small reprieve for some of the servants, himself included. Cedric wandered into the gardens, checking on the annuals and dusting the snow from thos that would need a bit more sunshine. Unconsciously he began to gather bluebells and forget-me-nots, tying them in a bunch with a piece of twine. Apparently he had left a basket of tools out, it was quite soaked with snow and he stood to bring into the shed. The flowers in his hand were meant for one person in particular, Eleanor. Even when his mind was elsewhere his heart knew what he needed.

With the few hours gifted to them he would seek her out, perhaps they could have a few more stolen moments. The few minutes they shared in the staircase were fresh in his mind, the smile on her face, the smell of her skin, the way she looked at him. Just thining about it made his heart beat faster and before he knew it he was locking the shed and sprinting toward the castle. The first few maids he ran into had not seen Eleanor but eventually he found one that had, a young girl called Cecily told him Eleanor was folding sheets on a level of the Brunswick tower, extras not needed by the ladies residing on that floor. He thanked the young girl, pulling a flower from the bunch to hand to her before heading to find Eleanor once more.

The hallway he found himself in was gilded and lavish, much like the hall in which Lady Isabella resided. A few doors were to his left, tapestries and large windows to the right. As he neared the corner, another hallway, more tapestries, he saw his beloved struggling to fold a very large sheet. With a helpful grin he came up and took her hands from their work. "I have something better for you." he said as he put the bouquet into her hands, kissing her cheek before bending to gather the sheet and fold it for her, his reach much wider and this more accomaditing for the work at hand. "Have you eaten yet?" he said with concern, tucking the now folded sheet into the closet before him, a closet filled to the brim with clean linens. "You look tired." and she did, all he wanted to do was wrap her up in the sheets and let her rest to her hearts content. But the least he could do was get her down to the kitchens for a good meal before she had to return to her duties.

[cedric-the-gardner]

[cedric-the-gardner]

For the Lady Isabella..

[deceptive-isabella-deactivated2]

A rosy colour fell upon Isabella’s cheeks but she did not acknowledge it, for servants would not make a noble woman blush, that much she was sure of. She wondered if maybe, for a moment, Cedric had some ulterior motive for doing this but nothing sprang to mind. “It certainly is.” her voice was soft and feminine, so different from her previous mood of the day, which had been one in which she’d simply lashed out at the nearest person: Emery. 

"I do appreciate it Cedric, really, I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone do something like this for me before." It was true, she’d never really had a place to call her own, except for her chambers but even then there was no real privacy because castle walls could listen, and castle walls talked. But out here, in the fresh air, she could do as she pleased without fear of being listened to. She did not fear scorn or loathing because those sorts of feelings simply didn’t apply to her.

"It’s nice to know that, despite this latest measure of desperation, some things still remain as they are." she’d never said such words before but Cedric was unlikely to repeat them. He was a man who knew his place and if he didn’t realize his place was simply under her foot Isabella would remind him, kindly of course, then if she had to take drastic measures she would but her rage was unnecessary at this time. "You make it sound so simple, when really we must all be alert and on the watch, for the Lancastrians are nothing but evil." 

[cedric-the-gardner]

Cedric blushed ever so slightly, it wasn't often Lady Isabella complimented any of the servants and even then it wasn't full of much sincerity. Cedric felt privileged to have been able to make her smile, to get a true compliment from her, to perhaps glimpse a side of her she rarely ever acknowledged. But he quickly banished those thoughts, they were not the kinds of things a man in his position should be thinking.

"It was truly my pleasure your grace." he bowed, let her walk ahead of him at her leisure. Even one moment of true happiness seemed worth it to him, for a lady such as the one before him it was probably quite rare. There were days Cedric envied the nobles for the things they had and days he was grateful for being born so low. Cedric did not have to worry about politics or enemies to a title. All Cedric had to do was his job, which he loved. Cedric was free to associate with whom he wished and love who he pleased. Who was really the lucky one, between the two of them?

"Of course your grace." it seemed he was meant to agree with her on that topic, not form or voice his own opinions. For the servants that worked at Windsor this influx of nobles was not the burden Isabella suggested it was. For the servants it was a gift. Yes, it meant more work but it also meant more reward and it was a trade off Cedric could live with. Affairs between the Yorkists and Lancastrians did not concern him and he was very happy about it. He would send his flowers, tend the gardens and live his life much the same as he had before. For a moment he wrestled with what to say in response to her, for surely she wanted one. Cedric was loyal to the King, he'd never had a complaint about the man or the people he represented. "The few I've met have been....questionable." he said softly. He had met very few and where one was cruel and dictating the other was soft and friendly. Cedric truly had no opinion on the matter as of yet.

[elle-sparrow-blog]

I miss you, I miss you so bad…

I hope you can hear me, I remember it clearly…

The day you slipped away, Was the day I found it won’t be the same.

I had my wake up, Won’t you wake up? I keep asking why, And I can’t take it.

Now you are gone, There you go,  Somewhere I can’t bring you back… Somewhere you’re not coming back…

[elle-sparrow-blog]

December 21st, 1474 // Keep In Mind

[elle-sparrow-blog]

Having grown up together, Eleanor was used to exchanging certain looks with Cedric. It had been a habit of theirs when they were children that they would try to communicate with each other without even exchanging words. It sounded silly, yes, but somehow, it did work. Granted, they did not exactly know what the other was thinking, but based on smiles and how their eyes squinted in glee or how their brows furrowed in sadness, they had learned how to interpret what each expression meant on each other’s faces. And so now, the moment Eleanor saw the way Cedric looked at her, she felt her heart flutter in her chest. That look that he gave her, even without words, was able to make Eleanor feel the love coupled with it. She had seen that look cross his eyes multiple times before, but every time she saw it, the overwhelming feeling of happiness that rushed through every fiber of her being still felt as new and strong as it was the first time. And as Cedric’s familiar hand enclosed around hers and she felt his lips on her cheek, her eyes closed of their own accord, like she was taking in all that he gave her with just a look, a touch and a kiss, and she did not ever want to let it all go. In a way, she did take it all in and let the feeling of gratefulness wash over her, gratefulness at the love he had given her and gratefulness at how he allowed himself to be a part of her in the way that he had. 

She felt like the luckiest woman in all the lands. Yes, she did not have golds and jewelry, which seemed to be what most women wanted these days, but she did have something no amount of gold coins could ever buy: Cedric’s love. She counted it as the best blessing she had ever received because she was nothing special. She was not the kind of woman who had high dreams and goals in life that would someday get her to faraway places. She wasn’t a woman who had a name, she wasn’t a woman that many suitors wanted. Simply put, she was just Eleanor. Simple, ordinary Eleanor, but the way Cedric looked at her made her feel like the most special woman in the world, so whenever he looked at her like that, she made sure to appreciate every second of it, to relish in it, and to reciprocate with her own touches and her own looks how much she loved him back. 

Her lips curved into a smile at the sound of the nickname he had given to her. She could not help the rush of emotions that filled her every time she heard his voice speak that name for if it was Cedric speaking it, it was not only a name, it was not only said to catch her attention. Within his voice, he also communicated with her a whole world of emotions he was currently feeling. And now, as he hummed the term of endearment, Eleanor felt the emotions, the longing, consume her and push her to reciprocate the gesture. With purpose, her hand rose to cup his cheek. With just that touch, she tried to tell her how much she had missed him. In the way her thumb ran over the apple of his cheek, the pad of her finger seemed to say, Where have you been? I have been yearning for you.

"Stay with me a bit longer, will you? Even just a few more minutes," she whispered to him, her eyes shining with the request. It was a risk, she knew. Some of the nobles still needed servants to attend to them. They could not afford to miss their responsibilities, but the hammering of her heart against her ribs seemed to be screaming, only just a few minutes, only a few… because even just five minutes with Cedric also felt like a lifetime. Time seemed to stop every time she looked into his eyes and listened to his voice. Still, it was not enough, though. At the end of that ‘lifetime’, she still yearned for him because honestly, she could not imagine a time when she would not long for him. 

She held on tighter to his hand, weaving her fingers through his as she gently pulled him towards the stairs and sat down. Tugging on his hand, she smiled at him as an offer for him to join her. “Later tonight?” she clarified, “In our own feast when the nobles are already asleep? I heard some of the other maids talking about it. Is it true?” There was excitement painting her voice. Already, she could not wait for it. At the thought of someone possibly mistreating Cedric, though, her smile turned into a frown. She ran her thumb over Cedric’s knuckle, just a gesture she had grown to do unconsciously. Whenever she would thread their hands together, she could not keep them still. She always had to be drawing patterns in Cedric’s skin. Sometimes they were flowers, sometimes they were birds. Recently, though, thanks to Lynet’s lessons, she could now write letters and messages on his palm. Yes, she did not know how to write many words as of yet, but Lynet did teach her one important sentence she now wrote on his skin every chance she could. The words, I love you. It was the sentence she learned to write that she was second most proud of; the first being Cedric’s own name. “I hope they did not mistreat you, my love,” she said, her sadness affecting her voice. Yes, she did not have a nickname for Cedric as beautiful as what he had given her, but she had always called him her love. It was true, it was real, it was the fact in life that she most believed in. 

[cedric-the-gardner]

It didn't take much for Eleanor to melt his heart in his chest. At one point in time he thought it to be a lump of coal, salvaged from the fire that claimed his parents. From there it grew into a burning ember and even then it was a sad and small little thing. As he grew into a young boy his burning ember of a heart was swaying toward Drusilla, though she was older and very different from him Cedric followed her like a lost puppy dog. Once Drusilla left Cedric was able to learn it was merely admiration, not romantic love, that he felt for Drusilla. And the reason he came to learn this was standing before him. At first Cedric had been most disagreeable, he had always liked Dru more while Elle was just the quiet one. But even that wasn't entirely true. Cedric would often grow tired of the games Drusilla insisted he play with her and when he did get weary it was Eleanor he sought out. With her soft features and soothing voice she'd have Cedric asleep in moments, his head laying heavy in her lap as she tried to weave flower crowns like he showed her. So he learned, he was safe with Eleanor, looked after, loved. The looks they exchanged morphed from playful and inquisitive to ones of deep longing and infatuation. If Cedric was caught staring at her with that look on his face you were sure to find the same look mirrored on Eleanor's face. It didn't take long for games of hide and seek to turn into cloudwatching in the tall grass where no one would find them. Or midnight conversations about ghosts and fairies and the future. Cedric's heart had grown into something he had never been sure possible, a garden in it's own right, planted with seeds of kindness and watered with smiles and looks. Now it bloomed, it bloomed for Eleanor.

When Drusilla returned she was confused and so was Cedric. Three years gone and she expected to come back to the same thing she had left. But everyone had to grow and learn and become new with the passing of years. The resentment and accusation was what surprised Cedric, he'd been a little boy when Drusilla left but now he was a man and he had made his choice. But it was no choice, no difficult feat, no conundrum meant for wiser men to discuss and solve. Eleanor was simple, she understood Cedric in a way no one else ever could or would. Eleanor was the very embodiment of kindness and warmth and for Cedric she was the sun and no heavenly body could ever overtake her. It was because of her soft voice and sweet smiles and her contentment with her life. Cedric knew he could love her for all of his days, give her things she would cherish and appreciate, be the kind of man Eleanor could love. The truth was he could not do that for Drusilla, he could not be that man for anyone but the girl in front of him. The day he knew it no words were said. It was the look in her eyes mirrored in his and they both knew, without speaking a word, what the other intended. Eleanor was his soul mate, who could deny that?

And now, when her lips curved into that truly contented smile he felt his heart sing in his chest. That he, Cedric, could bring such a light to anyone was beautiful to behold. The first time he said it to her, the first time he called her Bluebell, it was something he would never forget and he didn't need to because it was the same look she gave him now. Nothing changed for Eleanor as the years went by, their love only grew. All the looks were deeper, more meaningful, the touches softer and yet more urgent. Every part of his body and soul yearned for Eleanor and he knew without the shadow of a doubt this would always be the case. That butterflies took permanent residence in his gut the day he realized he loved her. With a simple touch, her small hand on his face, the world was right side up again. Cedric leaned his chin into her hand, eyes closing as the warmth and comfort of her overtook him. He knew exactly what she was trying to communicate, even before she said it, and he was all too willing to oblige her.

"I'd stay with you forever, even if it meant a thousand lashes." It was a ridiculous thing to say, a man could not survive a thousand lashes. But then, Cedric would walk through fire for Eleanor, surely being reprimanded for returning later than promised was worth the extra seconds with her. There were many things Cedric would do for her, anything really. When he was with her time was a non entity, they were the only two people on the earth and that suited him just fine. It seemed their moments together would be sparse now and he wanted to savor each stolen minute, his eyes trying to drink her in, to sustain him until he saw her again.

His feet followed her before his mind did and he sat down on the cold marble steps of the staircase. It was rather secluded, no one would be about in this part of the castle for some time. With a vigorous nod he assured her "Yes, tonight. In the kitchens once all the nobles have gone to bed. There is so much food Ellie, so much that not even a couple hundred nobles can eat it all, can you imagine?" his stomach rumbled as he spoke and he laughed, a lilting sound, at the timing of it. "We mustn't be too loud but everyone is invited, we could all use a bit more to eat." he chuckled, he'd never really looked forward to an event more than the one the servants had planned. All of them together, telling stories of their day and the nobles and sharing a proper meal instead of mere scraps. At her frown Cedric reached a hand up to her face, it was not often she looked so sad. "Don't be sad my love, it was nothing, I swear it." Though he'd had a bit of a rough time it mattered little, as long as she was alright. His eyes turned to watch her lithe fingers trace shapes and letters on his skin. Wherever she touched she left a mark, an invisible thread that tied him to her in every possible way. All he had to do was follow it and he was home.

[smileyjoann]

[cedric-the-gardner]

                                                  HEADCANON

There are many ladies among the castle that are allergic to Cedric's beautiful flowers. When Cedric learns of a lady that sneezes or gets red and itchy in the presence of them he is very sad. For years he tried to find a way to bring them joy with flowers that would not make them sick. Finally, at sixteen, he discovered he was quite talented at making flowers out of paper. Discarded scraps were what he worked with for a long time, sitting in his garden and figuring out how to make the paper look like the real thing. Now, at eighteen, Cedric is adept at the feat and regularly sends paper bouquets to those that are afflicted by the real thing. 

[cedric-the-gardner]

[toastling]

Visit Original Link

And this is where we fall, sleepers scattered in the soil, A finger deep, dragged through the ground A blessed thought in harrowed halls We could think of nothing else but what our patch of earth contained, Reminded by our dirt-stained clothes of planted possibility In tender ground, as bare as birth, A shoot emerged from beneath the earth… Mary, Mary, tell me how your garden grows, Tell me what it takes to come alive, to see what you have sown, Because I’ve grown into the ground and there are branches in my bones I am overgrown, I am overgrown! Between two branches, a rope and tire we cast Between two worlds, each one higher than the last. I chose the air, chose higher still and left an Eden, found, But in abandon, lost my grip, and shattered, chose the ground In unkept chaos, as bare as birth, A garden, grey, of tangled earth…

Mary, Mary, tell me how your garden grows, Tell me what it takes to come alive, to see what you have sown, Because I’ve grown into the ground and there are branches in my bones I am overgrown, I am overgrown! I’ve been lying here too long, The branches pushing me apart where weakness showed, But then September swept the overcast aside, Dusted off the Winter’s curse as she cut me through like knives… She whistled proudly her season’s song And showed me that I was alive all along!

Mary, Mary, tell me how your garden grows, Tell me what it takes to come alive, to see what you have sown, Because I’ve grown into the ground and there are branches in my bones I am overgrown, I am overgrown!

[rpmememaker]

Random Sentences (Angsty ones)

"How do you really feel about me?"

"Can’t you pretend to love me this once?"

"Would you care if I was gone?"

"Don’t you know the hell I go through to keep you safe?"

"I can’t take this any longer. Help me."

"Deep down, you’re scared. Aren’t you?"

"You’ll stay alone if you push others away."

"How many lives have you taken with your own hands?"

"Just for today. Please."

"You’re the only one who’s never called me that…"

"We can make it work! Let’s run away together, you and me!"

"I… have loved you this whole time."

"Treat me as you see fit. I’ll still protect you. It’s my role after all."

"Maybe it’s too much for me to expect kindness."

"You give me meaning, even if you take it away."

"Please… hold me. Don’t say anything, just… hold me."

[ulric-stafford-blog]

Ulric sighed loudly, his eyes automatically closing in irritation towards the peasant’s suggestion. Suddenly, he had gotten confused as to what really they were expected to do. Were they really supposed to meet the king first? Yes, the king had invited them and had promised them a whole lot of things. In hindsight, anybody would think Ulric should at least show his appreciation and gratefulness and greet the king first thing upon arriving. It was only the right thing to do, was it not, to thank your host? Only, he did not appreciate any of this. Not really. They were invited, promised the best of the best treatment. Yet, the squire he was promised was nowhere to be seen; this gardener who had welcomed him was both confusing and irritating the sanity out of him. All in all, this was not turning out to be the best of welcomes. Was there really something he should be thankful for? The safety and protection of the castle was the only promise not broken yet by the king. But then again, that was not sure as well. For all he knew they were walking into a death trap, and come the second day, their heads could be mounted on spikes. At the moment, he found nothing to thank the king for. “Few bags or not, we have been travelling for days. We should at least be given even just two hours of rest in our chambers, say our greetings to friends and make sure their travels have been pleasant,” he interjected, not even looking at the gardener anymore. “I do not even want you to assist me to my room anymore. I do not trust your judgment. I would rather get lost alone than let you lead me somewhere that might endanger me, peasant. You have twice given me reasons to doubt you. Just get someone else to bring my chests up to my chambers. And look for the squire promised to me. Rulf Smith is his name, as I was told. Go. Now.”

[cedric-the-gardner]

Cedric hung his head in shame and nodded "Yes M'lord, right away M'lord." and with that he scurried away. He had not meant to offend the knight or mislead him, it was all such a mess. Perhaps if the man had been kinder...No, Cedric thought, that wasn't fair. A knight had no responsibility to be kind to a peasant. The best course of action for Cedric now was to do as he was told as quickly and efficiently as possible.

[emerytheloyal]

grand celebrations // december 21 1474 // emery & cedric

[emerytheloyal]

"Really now?" Emery always loved it when Cedric spoke about gardening and the flowers and plants that he tended to - it was his passion, and it was probably the second most important thing to him next to Eleanor. "It’s great - you’re good at your craft - everything seems to bloom when you tend to them! Cedric, it’s as if you’ve got some gardening magic in you," She joked, half wishing that she had the same talent of being able to raise beautiful plants and flowers. "And it’s also wonderful how the flowers that you pick can give anyone a smile, me included."

Emery watched as Cedric’s eyes landed on the gloves that she held right before she pocketed them, giving a shrug at his question. “I don’t know how much they’d fetch, but I’d reckon a good amount of coins and a basket of food, for one. For two, I’d say triple that.” It always amazed her how the royals lived in luxury and had everything they wanted and needed at the snap of their fingers, but some peasants can’t even get a meager handful of grains in a week’s worth of work. As one of the elderly servants in the castle had told her when she first came to work, “The rich become richer and the poor become poorer”. It was beyond unfair to Emery - but she didn’t know if she could do anything about it.

Holding the door open for her friend, Emery chuckled. “The cows get better fed? They do have a lot to graze on, but I don’t think I could spend my entire life eating grass and water. But if that was the only choice, I would have no complaints.” She said those words as a lighthearted joke, but her words were somewhat true. After all, grass would be better than nothing, wouldn’t it? “But we’re well fed, especially in the hands of our good friend Lynet,” she gave Cedric a wink. Everything Lynet whipped up as beyond tasty - she always had a knack for adding flavor to a dish, be it a stew or a hunk of meat. Just thinking about it made her mouth water. There would be so much extra, and she knew they would have a good night down at the servants’ quarters. Cedric’s suggestion gave her an idea - perhaps she could ask for a loaf of bread or two, maybe a pastry - after all, she had promised her siblings back home to give them a taste of royal food. “Yes, I will ask. Though knowing our good friends down at the kitchens, I’m sure that if I ask for a few loaves of bread I will leave with a basket full of fruit and stew. We should have our own little feast downstairs, between us servants. I think we’re well overdue for a celebration of our own,”

[cedric-the-gardner]

"Oh yes!" his face was flushed with the excitement of speaking about it all. At least now he felt much better and opening a window seemed most unecessary. "I do my very best." he grinned, still not quite comfortable with compliments. But at least he new it was sincere coming from Emery. "No magic, just..I don't know, an affinity is all." It was in his blood, or at least, he figured it had to be since he never really knew his real parents and he certainly didn't remember them even if he had. But he had frown up on a farm and he had been very careful to learn all he could. "Yes, I think that's my favorite part actually." It pleased Cedric to please others, seeing the smile on a ladies face brought him great joy.

Cedric looked away, feeling he had done something most improper. "It seems a bit unfair at times, doesn't it?" It was not often Cedric thought about the enormous divide between the peasants and the nobles but when he did it alwways upset him. For all that the nobles had couldn't they give just a bit more to the working class? Cedric worked hard, he was skilled and kind and obedient and loyal, didn't he deserve to make just a bit more? But with ah eavy sigh he pushed those thoughts out of his mind, it wouldn't do to dwell on them. "Oh, I don't much like that." the statement struck a chord in him but again he pushed it away, today was not a good day to show disdain for the nobles.

Cedric moved out of the room, only letting Emery hold the door because it was her job to lock it behind them. "Well, they're certainly fatter than us." he joked, puffing out his stomach and patting it. "If grass and water was all you'd ever known.." he echoed her thoughts, he and Emery were quite alike at times in their thinking. "What would we even do without Lynet? I think we'd all just starve quite honestly." Lynet was his closest friend at the castle and while some thought she was a bit odd Cedric loved her eccentricity. And her stew, of course. As long as the nobles were all here the servants would eat well too. It was a bit of a trade off, more work but more food. "You certainly will, you'll get so much food you won't be able to carry it all!" he laughed, it was heartwarming, to think of that much food and to be able to help feed your family for awhile."That's the plan, hadn't you heard? Once your Lady Isabella is asleep you must join!"

[emerytheloyal]

"we’ll never be royals. it don’t run in our blood, that kind of luxe just ain’t for us. we crave a different kind of buzz."

[cedric-the-gardner]

For the Lady Isabella..

[deceptive-isabella-deactivated2]

"Cedric." Isabella replied, her voice sugary sweet as the young gardener did nothing to upset her, he was one of the more reliable servants at the castle and when he’d taken the time to pen a letter she’d agreed to meet him simply because she needed the distraction from her home being invaded. "I was distressed." She replied, though maybe not for the reason everyone thought, maybe more for the reason that there was more competition to become queen, maybe more for the reason that there were other sweet, young, enviable girls around and, though she was the loveliest rose of them all, so many distractions for a king. She followed Cedric as he explained.

"Oh Cedric…" it was truly a breath taking measure of loyalty to the house of York. Something that Isabella would never forget, she would come here often and feel like a queen, and when she was queen she would honour his loyalty. "What you’ve done here is truly a great show of Loyalty to the house of York." she studied him for a long moment before motioning for him to follow her into the Garden. "Such displays do not go unrewarded." she bent down to touch the petals of a particularly large flower, inhaling it’s sweet fragrance. "It’s so lovely. What inspires you?"

[cedric-the-gardner]

A small smile graced his face as she acknowledged him and confirmed his suspicions. It was not often people came to Windsor in such large groups and for as long as the Lady Isabella had been with them she had not been keen on visits. Though Cedric spent very little time with her and though he heard stories of her his own experiences had always been very pleasant. Sometimes Cedric felt sorry for her, she worked very hard to get where she was and she seemed to get little back for it. Often he heard of her being in bad moods and lashing out. Perhaps this small gesture of his would help her through this event, maybe just enough for her to be a bit kinder to Emery, or so he hoped. But he did hope it gave her some personal comfort as well. 

The joy on her face was thanks enough for Cedric who slowly followed her into the garden. Many of the flowers here were not yet bloomed, as it was winter, but when spring came it would truly be breathtaking, he was sure she'd even be able to see it from her windows. He blushed then, as he hadn't been thinking of the House of York but it was not a compliment he would ignore. Cedric was loyal to the Yorkists, he liked them and his life was good with Edward on the throne. He loved his job, he was paid for it, he was fed and housed and clothed. Truly he had no complaint against the Yorkists and he had yet to meet any Lancastrians. At the mention of a reward his chest fluttered, he did not know what to expect and the thought made him quite nervous. "Well, you did I suppose." he said honestly. "Purple is a marvelous color for a garden. It is not the traditional red or white preferred by some. The flowers can range from a light lilac to a dark violet and into Indigo before turning blue..." he walked a few paces away, smiling at the robust buds that would survive the winter. "It was a chance to import some more exotic seeds, things I will plant in a fortnight or so. And it was an opportunity to do something kind for you Lady Isabella, to show you that even with all these new nobles abound in the castle that this is still your home." he shrugged, it was simple for him.

[ulric-stafford-blog]

Upon hearing that they will have to be brought into the Great Hall right after their arrival, Ulric’s head snapped to the peasant, immediately forgetting any other thoughts in his mind. “Wait, what? We are expected to head straight to the Great Hall? We have just arrived from a long travel. Some of these people will be quite tired. I thought we are merely waiting for the whole entourage to arrive, welcome whoever else would be arriving, but as soon as everyone has made it, we are to be escorted to our rooms.” This time, he really was genuinely confused, all traces of arrogance and other emotions instantly evaporating. Not that he was complaining about being tired, of course. He was used to riding for days on end on horseback. He was trained for endurance. What he was worried about were the other ladies, especially those coming from farther places. Though they would have arrived in carriages, it would still be quite tiring. Surely even the usurper understood that? “Can we not be allowed to stay in our quarters for at least a few hours, get settled in and whatnot, before such events take place?”

[cedric-the-gardner]

Cedric cursed himself, he would be punished for mispeaking, he just knew it. How would he explain he had meant that when he had said something different? Of all the nobles to have said something incorrect in front of it had to be the irate one. "Of course M'lord but..." no matter what he said now he would be in trouble, he might as well just go on. "but you have so few bags, I only thought you'd like to take audience with the King before getting settled." Cedric hoped this would suffice as an excuse, perhaps even honor the knight before him. "If that does not suit you I'd be happy to lead you straight to your rooms where a bath may drawn and some food laid out to pass the time before the feast itself begins." he said it all with as much truth and sincerity as he could and prayed silently that he had not offended the knight.

[cedric-the-gardner]

DECEMBER 21ST, 1474 : SO IT BEGINS

[eva-atyourservice-deactivated20]

Margaret felt a certain glow emanating from the lad. He seemed eager to help. Sunny dispositions. They often removed shadows of darkness even from the cruelest of places. “Bless you.” she smiled as she motioned a cross, more out of habit than anything else. She always liked interacting with peasants. They gave her the attention she deserved and she knew they were closer to the lord than most nobles. They heard his dictum more clearly simply because they didn’t have ambitions that made them black on the inside. The only problem was, of course, that their lives held little value. The good in them was appreciated, yet inconsequential.

"Well, I’m not sure if I am meant to roam the courtyards or retire to my chambers before the feast?" she asked her voice slightly lilting in an attempt to sound more cheerful. The fact of the matter was that coming to a new place was giving her the same vibes as Pembroke had three years ago. Unwelcome vibes. People overlooking you every step of the way. No. She would not let that happen this time. This time, she was a different person. Lifting her skirt and taking a few steps into the courtyard she remarked "This is very beautifully landscaped. I would love to be acquainted with the gardens."

[cedric-the-gardner]

He stood straight and tall, trying to inflect some confidence into his posture that he did not quite feel in his chest. As she made the sign of the cross he bowed his head politely. The truth was, for Cedric, religion held little value in his life. Yes, he believed in God and thanked Him on a regular basis for the things he had. But Cedric's truth lay within nature and it's glory. Whether he could attribute that to God or not it didn't matter. The gospel was the grass and the trees and the insects. But it would do him good to keep that to himself, at least around this young lady. "Thank you M'lady." he said humbly, not one to discount other people's beliefs.

"Oh yes, you are to retire to your quarters, perhaps unpack a bit and then you will be escorted down to the Great Hall for the feast." That much he remembered and at least for him it meant a small break where he might rest his legs and get a small bite. When she smiled at him he did his best not to recoil but he felt no warmth in the gesture. It was as if she were forcing herself just as much as he was and all in all it made him very uncomfortable. "Thank you M'lady." perhaps she wasn't aware he took it as a personal compliment but he did, it was his landscaping after all. At the mention of the gardens he brightened "It would be my absolute pleasure to show you the gardens later in the week, after festivities of course." he bowed at the waist, ready to be off and helping the next noble to arrive.